Ki MMA: Scott Coker's new league launches a 32-man featherweight Grand Prix in 2027
Ki MMA is the new promotion from Scott Coker, the founder of Strikeforce and former head of Bellator. Unveiled on September 14, 2026 in New York and backed by $60 million, it promises a 32-man global featherweight Grand Prix in 2027, fought in a ring rather than a cage. No date, venue or broadcaster has been announced yet.
Key takeaways
- Ki MMA was unveiled at a press conference in New York on September 14, 2026. Scott Coker is co-founder and CEO, Peter Levin is chairman.
- The league raised $60 million in a round led by Creator Sports Capital with Griffin Gaming Partners. Upper Deck, Steve Kaplan and Tony Hawk are among the investors.
- Its headline product: a 32-man featherweight Grand Prix at 145 lb, split into 4 continental brackets of 8, with a 4-man final in a single night.
Ki MMA: who is behind Scott Coker's league
Scott Coker, CEO
Coker founded Strikeforce, then ran Bellator. Before that he was president of K-1 USA. He returns with Ki MMA as co-founder and CEO.
Peter Levin, chairman
Peter Levin chairs the board. He co-founded the fund Griffin Gaming Partners and was an advisor and investor in Strikeforce.
$60 million
The funding was announced on May 21, 2026, before the league even had a name. Creator Sports Capital led the round, with Griffin Gaming Partners. Upper Deck, D.C. United co-owner Steve Kaplan and Tony Hawk also invested. Rich Chou, Coker’s former matchmaker at Bellator, is part of the team.
A 32-man global featherweight Grand Prix
4 continental brackets
The tournament features 32 fighters at 145 lb, split into 4 brackets of 8: North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Each bracket winner becomes champion of their continent.
A one-night final
The 4 continental champions meet in a one-night global final, so the 2 finalists each fight 2 bouts on the same night. Other weight classes fill out each card.
A ring, not a cage
Ki MMA will fight in a 24 by 24 ft ring. It is still MMA, with a ring instead of a cage, as in Japan.
There is an incredible demand for a fresh, new global brand in MMA.
What we still don't know
Young fighters and a few free agents
Ki MMA is targeting fighters aged 18 to 25 with fewer than 10 pro fights, plus a few top free agents. No signed fighter has been named. Randy Couture, Fedor Emelianenko and Cris Cyborg attended the launch, without signing.
No date, no venue, no broadcaster
The 1st event is planned for 2027, with no date or location. No broadcast deal has been announced.
Why it matters
The league arrives as fighter pay is under debate: this week, PFL champion Vadim Nemkov said UFC fighters get “mere pennies”. Follow Ki MMA, free agents and news from every MMA promotion on the FightHub app.
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